US Dept of Veterans Affairs

General Information

Murdoch University provides a Veterans Affairs (VA) Certifying Official and International Financial Aid Director located within Murdoch International who is able to provide information to you regarding educational benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), assists you in applying for your GI Bill benefits, certifies your enrollment to the VA for payment for each semester you attend and assists in resolving any pay problems with the VA and internally within the University.

Veteran's Education Benefit Programs

Eligibility for GI Bill Educational benefits can be extended to veterans, members of the Selected Reserves or National Guard; and children or spouses of service-connected deceased or totally and permanently disabled veterans. Students may receive benefits from only one VA educational chapter at a time, although they may have eligibility under more than one chapter. Each VA education program has distinct eligibility requirements under specific chapters of Title 38, U.S. Code (USC)

Montgomery GI Bill-Chapter 30

Individuals who entered active duty after July, 1984, and participated in the pay reduction program (pay reduced $100 a month for 12 months) and served honorably for two years or more are eligible. Veterans or service persons cannot withdraw money paid into the fund.

Veterans Administration Vocational Rehabilitation Program-Chapter 31

This program is available to certain veterans who have a service-connected disability of 10 percent or greater. It provides a monthly stipend and also covers the cost of tuition, books, and supplies. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP)-Chapter 32

Individuals who entered active duty service between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985, served a continuous period of 181 days or more and contributed financially toward the education program are eligible. Monthly benefits are determined by adding the amount of personal contributions and DOD contributions made during the years of active service.

Vietnam Era GI Bill-Chapter 34

Individuals who entered active duty service prior to December 31, 1976, and served a minimum of 181 days of active duty after January 31, 1955. Benefits must be used before January 1, 1990.

GI Bill for Dependents-Chapter 35

A child or spouse of a service-connected deceased or 100 percent disabled veteran may be eligible for VA educational benefits. Benefits may be used until the dependent has reached the age of 27 or 8 years from the date of eligibility is determined, whichever is later.

Montgomery GI Bill for Reservists-Chapter 1606

An individual who enlisted, re-enlisted, or extended an enlistment in the Selected Reserve or National Guard for a period of 6 years after July 1, 1985, and has completed the initial active duty training is eligible for VA benefits. This program does not require a contribution by the service person.

Montgomery GI Bill for Reservists – Chapter 1607

This new benefit makes certain individuals who were activated after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits. The Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and VA are working on an implementation plan for this new benefit

The VA Certifying Official does not determine your eligibility for VA education benefits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is the only organization authorized to determine your eligibility. Specific questions on eligibility should be directed to:

Buffalo VA Regional Office
(Foreign Schools)
PO Box 4616
Buffalo NY 14240 – 4616
USA
Tel: 716 857 3196 or 716 857 3197